During a recent government meeting, Deputy Director of Library Services Cynthia Flutter and Youth Services Librarian Stacy Wells presented an overview of the successful Southlake Summer Reading Program, which ran from May 24 to July 19. The program, designed for preschoolers, children, and teens, aimed to enhance literacy and ensure students are prepared for the upcoming school year.

This year's theme, \"Adventures Begin at Your Library,\" encouraged participation through a structured reading challenge. Preschoolers were recognized for reading between 5 to 25 books, while older children and teens logged reading hours, with a total of 6,912 prizes awarded, including 55 grand prizes. The program attracted 27,802 visitors over its eight-week duration.

In addition to the reading program, the library hosted 35 unique educational events, including partnerships with the Dallas Zoo and local theater groups, engaging a total of 3,704 participants. The library also emphasized community involvement, with 117 teen volunteers contributing over 1,000 hours of service.

The initiative not only promoted literacy but also fostered a sense of community and family engagement, with 76,571 materials checked out during the summer, representing 20% of the library's annual circulation. Notable highlights included a creative writing camp led by author Jenny Martin and workshops by bestselling author James Ponti, who shared his journey from struggling student to successful writer.

Overall, the summer programs demonstrated the library's commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning within the community, providing valuable resources and experiences for families and young readers alike.